A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz
416 pgs.
Target audence: Age 8-12
Rating: Wizard

As we all know the original tales of the Brothers Grimm are quite grim The author reminds the reader at frequent intervals during the narrative by asking if there are small children in the house and suggesting they go to bed before they read any further. Gidwitz weaves a web through some of the more obscure and bloody stories using Hansel and Gretel as the heroes in each one. Where most parents would be appalled at the gruesomeness, Gidwitz deftly embraces it with humor an snarky comments on the contents of the story which kids will love and adults will want to stay up into the wee hours to finish. I listened to this on audio and it had me completely engrossed. I love the Grimm fairytales and its nice to see them told in a way that doesn't sugarcoat. This book will generate interest in reading the original tales. The heart and soul of this book lies with the question, "Where are all the good parents?"

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